Arabella Holmes—yes, daughter of that Holmes—wants to return to her job as a purveyor of abnormal science. She has temporarily been demoted to a botanist, until her love interest, Henry Watson—yes, that Watson—can help her get her less-than-professional outbursts in check.

Henry is tired of his new role as doctor, tired of the lack of adventure, and tired of keeping Bella's escapades out of the papers.

Five girls are missing. Gone from locked rooms in their own houses. Arabella and Henry are called upon to help solve the kidnappings, but all they unearth is more danger.

Bella ventures undercover into a lunatic asylum, where a mute woman assaults her and scrawls the chilling words—Here the dead wake. Plus, a vial of Bella's research poison has gone missing. Bella and Henry must find it, and the missing girls, before charges can be brought against her.

Praise for HERE WALK THE DEAD:

"Dark twists and turns abound in this fast-paced and riveting gothic thriller. I consumed it in one sitting!" ~USA TODAY BESTSELLER, Lea Nolan

I leave The Bell in Hand and stand stock-still in the middle of the road. The moon is white and full as a pearl, suspended in the black, sooty sky. I cannot go home and face my dreary one-room solitary confinement at the boarding house. Staring at the ceiling as the uninvited images of Arabella enter my weary mind.

That ruddy Englishman. He has ruined every plan I made. All I needed was time, first to befriend her. Then…

I spin, and head in the opposite direction, walking quickly. Squinting, I eye the streets for any trouble, but they’re wet, quiet, and pungent. The Mütter is two blocks ahead. I cannot sleep, knowing that from this day forward, he will be with her every waking moment.

Working his Prince Charming magic on her. This could be my final chance to tell her. All these months wasted whilst I foolishly bided my time. How foolish. I, of all people, should know time’s passing may appear harmless, but in a blink can slice hope from your reach like a ruthless guillotine.

I reach the black wrought-iron gates and my stomach flips. Why would she want me? I have nothing to offer. The seventh son from a poor house of ten. I was born here and will quite possibly die here. “I care not. No regrets.” Through the wrought-iron stripes, I see movement at Arabella’s cottage.

At this hour?

Anger heats my cheeks. Her door opens and she gives Henry a gentle push onto her porch and slides it closed.

Surely that is not permitted. Alone in her cottage.

I grind my teeth, as a jealous surge overtakes me. I could tell her superiors. But that would only solidify her choice.

The Prince lingers, mooning at her door, then shoves his hands deep into his pockets and walks leisurely toward what I presume to be his own domicile. Which is entirely too close to hers for my liking.

I wait until he is inside, then bolt across the lawn, afraid of losing my nerve. No thinking, just doing. I bound up the steps, two at a time, and rap hard on the door, shifting my weight back and forth.

The door opens. “Henry, I—…” The words die on Arabella’s lips and it’s the first time I’ve ever seen her look confounded. “Oliver, whatever is the matter? What has happened?”

My mouth opens and I almost feel his stare from the other cottage incinerating me. “Might I come in? I promise it won’t take long.”

She rolls her eyes. “Do hurry.” She pokes her head out, looking up and down the yard. “I am at such risk for scandal tonight. Since I am inexplicably now the Bella of the Ball.”

Just jump.

I slide inside, shutting the door behind me.

Her cottage is surprisingly feminine. There’s an overlarge blanket spread by the fire and a massive book, wide-open beside it.

I pace, tracking mud on her floor, wanting to find the right words, but not having the time. “Arabella, I must speak. I somehow feel time is slipping away from me.” I stop and stare at her directly. “I want you to marry me.”

“What?” she roars, her blue eyes going round as the moon outside.

Other Books in the Series

Boneseeker

(The Boneseeker Chronicles #1)

By Brynn Chapman

Historical Romantic Suspense, Gothic

Paperback & ebook, 213 Pages

January 10th 2018 by The Wild Rose Press, Inc

Aspiring scientist Arabella Holmes doesn't fit the role of a 1900s lady. Her father, Sherlock, landed her a position at the Mütter Museum to pursue her dream of becoming a purveyor of abnormal science, or what her father calls a "Boneseeker."

Henry Watson’s two-fold mission at the Mütter Museum is to join their team of forensic anthropologists in unearthing unusual antiquities and to watch over Arabella. If only he could get her to speak to him, instead of hurling knives in his general direction. Assigned to a most secret expedition to investigate a mysterious skeletal hand discovered in upstate New York, Arabella and Henry are soon caught in a scientific debate, and the search for the truth may have deadly consequences for those involved.

Are the bones from a Neanderthal? Or are they living proof of fallen angels known as Nephilim?

Watson and Holmes must put aside their differences, trust their instincts, and rely on one another to survive to uncover the truth.

"The characters, the setting, the descriptions and the mysteries and relationships all work together seamlessly to create a truly wonderful story that I completely adored." ~Best Books Ever Blog

"The settings are intriguing and the way they are described make you feel as if you are immersed in the story. I could feel the gloom and damp. That is rare in so many books! Boneseeker is a book I highly recommend, and I give it 5 stars!" ~Christy's Cozy Corners Blog

Born and raised in western Pennsylvania, Brynn Chapman is the daughter of two teachers. Her writing reflects her passions: science, history and love--not necessarily in that order. In real life, the geek gene runs strong in her family, as does the Asperger's syndrome. Her writing reflects her experience as a pediatric therapist and her interactions with society's downtrodden. In fiction, she's a strong believer in underdogs and happily-ever-afters. Her ancestry tree claims she's a descendant of the House of Stuart.

Jennifer Faye is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.